Pegasus Necklace

NECKLACE: silver, oxidised silver and freshwater pearls

Last week I had this design, the Pegasus Necklace, accepted for sale in the Hidden Art E-Shop (www.hiddenartlondon.co.uk, go to 'shop', search for my name under 'designer-makers') according to their strict selection criteria. I am very pleased to have my work available for sale through such a prestigious organisation, and hope to submit more designs in the future, so will keep you posted!

The wing pendant is silver that has been given a black/dark grey surface finish via the process of oxidation, using liver of sulphur. The dark finish makes for a more dramatic and striking design, and enables the engraved feather design to show up more clearly. The pearls are an unusual flat shape, roughly square in form, and I like the way that the positioning of the holes in the pearls means that when strung together they sit on alternate sides of the strand. This piece developed from the small sculptural unicorn/pegasus piece that I talked about earlier on this season (pictured at the bottom of the page).

Christmas is coming!

RING: silver bird perched on a gold band

Work has suddenly picked up pace as Christmas is now approaching- I don't know where the last few months have gone, it seems like we've gone straight from the end of August to November! I am working on a few private commissions at the moment, with all of them at different stages in their completion, from the most recent one still being at the design stage, to a necklace which is just awaiting a final polish when it is returned from being hallmarked. Although most clients approach me for Christmas commissions in good time, there always seems to be at least one person who leaves it until a week before Christmas; I always try to take on even last-minute commissions (where possible!) but in these cases the person usually needs to be warned that it may not be ready in time for Christmas day!

I have been out and about looking at some of the Christmas decorations already on sale, I like to pick up the occasional more unusual piece, but you usually seem to have to wade through a huge amount of less 'interesting' pieces to find them! I seem to be drawn to bird and deer motifs, and bird shapes have also appeared in some of my jewellery designs. Over the last few years I have also acquired a selection of variously sized clear glass baubles which have ended up staying out all year, hanging in a bunch from a shelf- they are far too nice to only have out once a year!

Well I am going to get back to work now polishing a few finished pieces, so 'bye until next time.